North Macedonia’s Government signs new Cooperation Framework with the United Nations

Inclusive Social and Human Development; Sustainable Economy and Decent Work; Resilient ang Green Society and Ecosystems; and Rule of Law and Good Governance. These are the priorities of the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2026 – 2030 that was signed by Timcho Mucunski, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Rita Columbia, UN Resident Coordinator in North Macedonia today in Skopje. 

The UNSDCF is a key strategic document that will guide the work of all UN agencies working in the country in the next five years. It builds on the past cooperation between the UN and the Government and forms a foundation for close partnerships between national and international partners for advancing the achievements of the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2024–2044, the European Union integration process and the Agenda 2030 (Sustainable Development Goals). 

“The  UNSDF is a key strategic document that guides the work of all UN agencies working in the country for the next  five years. A Document,  we are all very proud of!  All the activities envisaged  in the new Cooperation Framework are complementary and in function towards the European integration of our country.  The  new Cooperation Framework  was developed in close cooperation with the Government, following an extensive consultative process with various institutions and organizations, thus confirming the inclusiveness of the process.  Our  Government will continue to work closely with the UN  towards achieving a more sustainable development and will remain firmly committed to  building a prosperous and inclusive society, by creating  conditions for a brighter  and healthier future  for all our citizens,’’ underlined Mucunski.

The UN Cooperation Framework represents the UN’s collective offer in support of the Government of North Macedonia’s national development priorities. 

“The new Cooperation Framework is the result of our collective vision with the Government, shaped by valuable insights from civil society, academia, and people from every corner of our community. This framework represents our shared commitment to improving the lives of everyone in the country. Together, we’ve established four key priorities that are interconnected and designed to support each other. These priorities align with the National Development Strategy and represent the unified effort to drive sustainable development forward, leaving no one behind. UN will work hand in hand with the people of North Macedonia to create a brighter future for all!” says Rita Columbia, UN Resident Coordinator. 

A total of 15 UN agencies, programmes and funds (FAO, ILO, IOM, ITU, UNDP, UNECE, UNEP, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNIDO, UNOPS, UN Women, WHO) have signed the Cooperation Framework making commitment to support and contribute to boosting the country’s progress towards the achievement of the SDGs in the following period.